Modular Cylinder Spacer Assembly for Multi-Lock Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional access control devices require multiple configurations of lock cylinders and mounting devices due to varying dimensions, leading to increased inventory and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A modular spacer system that includes a second attachment feature and a ledge, releasably coupled with a first attachment feature, to accommodate different lock cylinder configurations using a single spindle configuration, thereby reducing the need for multiple spindle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lock cylinder configurations are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into two functional segments: a universal spindle component and a configurable spacer component. The spacer acts as an independent segment that can be exchanged to accommodate different lock cylinder configurations, while the main spindle remains standardized. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple lock cylinder types without requiring multiple complete spindle configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer serves as an intermediary element between the standardized spindle and various lock cylinder configurations. It mediates the interface between the fixed spindle design and the variable lock cylinder dimensions, providing the necessary adaptation without modifying the spindle itself. This intermediary approach enables compatibility with different lock cylinder types while maintaining a single spindle design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spindle configurations are manufactured, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the mounting device into a standardized spindle and configurable spacers, the manufacturing process is simplified. The spindle can be mass-produced in a single configuration, while spacers are manufactured in various configurations to match different lock cylinder types. This reduces the overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to producing multiple complete spindle configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized spindle is designed with universal functionality to work with all lock cylinder types when paired with the appropriate spacer. This multi-functionality approach allows a single spindle design to serve multiple purposes, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple specialized spindle variants and thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spindle configurations are maintained in inventory, then adaptability is improved, but inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inventory strategy is segmented into two parts: a single standardized spindle configuration and multiple spacer variants. This segmentation allows the system to maintain adaptability for different lock cylinder types while significantly reducing the total number of components that need to be inventoried, as only the smaller, less expensive spacers need to be stored in multiple configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer acts as an intermediary that provides the configuration-specific adaptability without requiring the entire spindle assembly to be inventoried in multiple variants. This reduces inventory requirements by isolating the variability to a single, manageable component rather than the entire spindle assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary access control device generally includes a mounting location, a first selected feature, a lock actuator mounted in the mounting location, and a spacer. The spacer includes a second attachment feature and a ledge. The second attachment feature is releasably coupled with the first attachment feature, and the ledge restricts movement of the lock actuator.